External affairs minister S Jaishankar concluded his official visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland, engaging in high-level discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. During his trip, he met Irish President Michael D Higgins and deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Simon Harris, with both sides agreeing to establish a
Joint Economic Commission
to boost trade, investment, and technology linkages.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) stated that discussions with President Higgins focused on growing
bilateral ties
and global developments. Jaishankar’s talks with foreign minister Harris covered various aspects of
India-Ireland relations
, including trade, education, mobility, and emerging sectors like cybersecurity, AI, FinTech, and semiconductors. The leaders also explored ways to expand collaboration in higher education and enhance opportunities for professionals from both countries.
“A warm and open meeting with Tánaiste & FM @SimonHarrisTD of Ireland this morning in Dublin. We discussed our bilateral cooperation, including a new Action Plan to reinvigorate ties. Agreed to set up a Joint Economic Commission to increase our trade, investment and technology linkages,” Jaishankar posted on X.
He added that they also exchanged views on key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia, Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific, while also discussing India-EU cooperation and multilateralism.
During his visit, Jaishankar paid floral tributes to Rabindranath Tagore’s statue at St Stephen’s Green in Dublin and interacted with the Indian community, acknowledging their contributions to Irish society. He also participated in an academic discussion at University College Dublin, sharing India’s perspective on global affairs with scholars and academicians.
Engagements in Northern Ireland
Jaishankar’s itinerary included a visit to Belfast, where he met deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly and junior minister Aisling Reilly, thanking them for their support in setting up the Indian Consulate in Northern Ireland. He highlighted the potential for deepening India’s engagement with the region in sectors like skills, cybersecurity, technology, creative industries, and manufacturing.
“Nice to meet Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland @little_pengelly and Junior Minister @aislingreillysf this evening in Belfast. Thanked them for all the support in setting up our Consulate. Discussed possibilities for deepening India’s engagement with Northern Ireland,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
The minister also visited Queen’s University in Belfast, which is set to establish a campus in GIFT City, Gujarat. He engaged with Indian students studying at the university, emphasising the growing India-UK academic ties. “Good to visit Queen’s University in Belfast this evening. Their upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat is an example of the potential of ties in education,” he noted.
Jaishankar’s visit to Belfast culminated with the inauguration of the Indian Consulate, aimed at serving the Indian community and fostering cooperation in trade, business, technology, and education. “The Consulate will serve the needs of the Indian community, while also exploring further cooperation in trade, technology, business and education,” he stated.
The MEA underscored that Jaishankar’s visit, taking place within the first two months of Ireland’s new government, highlights the priority both countries place on strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring sustained engagement.
